CHARLESTON, W.Va. (October 31, 2016) – Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin has proclaimed this week as “College Application and Exploration Week” in recognition of the statewide campaign organized by the College Foundation of West Virginia (CFWV). Staff from nearly 450 schools will host college-planning activities throughout the week to help students consider their postsecondary education opportunities.

Students who attend participating schools – from pre-schools to centers for adult learners – will learn the importance of pursuing some form of education or training beyond high school and the types of opportunities that are available in West Virginia, including certificate and technical programs, two- and four-year degree programs and military service. School staff and community volunteers will help students complete applications to the postsecondary institutions of their choosing.

“College Application and Exploration Week helps bring awareness to the wide variety of educational pathways students can pursue after high school,” Gov. Tomblin said. “While some students opt to attend one of our state’s two- or four-year institutions, many decide to enter the military or a trade school. What’s most important is that students pursue some type of education after high school so West Virginia’s workforce can remain competitive and our economy can grow stronger.”

“The benefits of earning an education beyond high school are invaluable,” Dr. Paul Hill, Chancellor of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, said. “Not only do college graduates earn millions of dollars more in their lifetimes than high school graduates, but they also tend to live healthier lifestyles and remain employed, even when the job market isn’t ideal. More than half of jobs created in West Virginia will require some form of college education by 2020, and College Application and Exploration Week helps students consider all their options.”

CFWV is a college- and career-planning initiative managed by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission in conjunction with the West Virginia Community and Technical College System, the West Virginia Department of Education and the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts.

More information about College Application and Exploration Week can be found at CFWV.com, the state’s free college- and career-planning web portal.